Late goals keep Lanús kicking in Libertadores

Two strikes deep into the second half helped Lanús jump from last place to first in their Copa Libertadores group, as the club from south Buenos Aires took down Cerro Porteño 2-0 in a game vital to their continuity in the competition.

The Argentines started the fixture at the foot of Group 3, and threw everything at the visitors in a bid to improve on a disappointing haul of four points. Lanús attacked relentlessly, but the Paraguayan giants stayed strong and refused to buckle under the pressure.

Having peppered Roberto Fernández with shots throughout the match, the Granate had to wait until the 72nd minute to finally beat the goalkeeper. Carlos Araujo hit a low effort from deep, which skidded across the wet turf and nestled in the bottom-left corner to the delight of home fans.

Guillermo Barros Schelotto's men did not rest having taken the lead, and finally killed off the match in injury time. Young striker Oscar Benítez powered in a header following a corner, earning the embraces of his team-mates and sealing the win for the home team.

With one game to go in Group 3, Lanús find themselves in a 3-way tie for first alongside Deportivo Cali and Cerro Porteño. The Grana lead by virtue of goal difference, but will have to get a result away to O'Higgins in the final match of the first round to guarantee a place in the last-16.